#rivervale_lodge

"What I'm hearing is I need to shop around, consider some folks here on the list, but in the short term, Frank and Siv are my go to assistants"

Vali says this , takes a drink

"That's what I'm hearing, too," Kerri agrees.

Brekke nods.

"Mm." He does not agree.

Vali arches a brow at Frank, then gives a look to Brekke and Kerri .

"For now," Brekke adds.

She looks to the others. "Perhaps we must seek out new members of the Lodge."

"We just got two DeBukes," Vali reminds "And Squire Valter"

Brekke hesitates a moment, then says, "I do not need a squire most days. Squire Valter might serve?"

A shake at Valter

"Sir Carowyn?"

"For a part-time mountain?"

"Carowyn? Mmm he's very focused on his Banner House, VERY, and also busy with Jaymes' store, and sometimes Anne Marie as well. Still, he'd be on the list, just not... really up there, you know?"

Kerri looks up. "I think Carowyn makes good sense. We are all busy, Mountain, but he could help ease the load somewhat."

"I can inquire, but he's never claimed to be a Valer, so much as assigned here. Of course, there's another problem too"

"These are all only part-time helps.... yes?"

Kerri nods to Frank, then looks to Vali. "Mountain, I know you are thinking about training your replacement, but perhaps the one who can fill that role has not yet found their way to us."

"A pillar of the mountain is something of a regular assistant, at least that's the impresison Zane gave. Symon was more of on his own time, but never failed to show up when needed. Now I am not goign to guilt trip those guys and drive them furhter away. They have other roles now. But I thought part of being the Mountain was being able to pick new pillars? And damn I need some. Now, I'm not trying to sound testy, but can we get it on the record that until I find a regular pillar or two that I'm satisfied with, that Frank, when he's not on the road, will assist me? Because that seems to get dodged like bullets in the matrix"

"You need to tell them that."

A look to Frank "Who is the 'them' you mention in this case?"

"Zane. Symon. Tell them."

"Frank, they're not on the list. "

A frown from Kerri. "I thought Frank's assistance was a settled point."

Brekke nods agreement with Kerri, and looks to Frank.

A deep breath. "Then tell them that."

"So did I, but he doesn't seem to think so? At least I'm not getting an affirmation. Just... mm"

"If they are not Pillars tell them so. If they are.... then call them so."

Frank stands from the table and goes to sit by the 'Fire.

"They already know they're not, Frank."

"zane quit. Because he felt he was the reason you quit"

"And Symon is at Rutgers and has mentioned to me he wouldn't be here for Pillaring"

Kerri looks from Frank to Vali. "He has a point, though. Do they no longer officially have the title Pillar?"

She nods about Zane.

"Ask the Mountain."

"It's official, and they both know it" Vali looks tempted to reach for the whiskey

"I was asking the Mountain." Kerri's tone is a bit clipped.

Brekke looks over to Frank.

Then back to her coffee.

"Storm says that Frank serves as Pillar," she says reluctantly.

She glances across the table to Kerri.

A look to Kerri

Kerri looks to Frank, frowning. "We need you to do this duty." She looks back to the others. "Hearth agrees."

"I will do what I can."

Vali takes a breath "I think we can guess what my vote is. Frank serves as Pillar, whether he uses that title or not, and obviously on the road that would be a matter of phone calls for advice. Siv will also serve as Pillar. HOWEVER, as this has already been like pulling teeth and I don't want to keep hostages for what I thought was respected duty. So I'll also seek replacements for both"

"Then it is done," Brekke mutters. She abruptly stands and strides out the front door.

For all that she'd been staring at her coffee, she never actually drank any.

Frank rises and follow Brekke.

He watches the Chief go then Frank, then looks at Kerri when it's just them "Am I the asshole here? "

Kerri watches them go, then pours herself another shot. "No."